Several organisations on Grand Cayman were gearing up to provide much-needed assistance to the Sister Islands in the wake of devastating Hurricane Paloma this weekend.
Building Damage Photo: Tammie C. Chisholm |
Paloma left a trail of destruction on both Little Cayman and Cayman Brac after striking the islands early Saturday with sustained winds of up to 140mph, and higher gusts. Entire houses were destroyed in the storm and many other structures had their roofs damaged or ripped off entirely.
There were injuries reported on the Sister Islands Saturday, but no deaths. Damage to Grand Cayman was relatively minor in comparison after the storm moved around the main island to the east Friday night.
Boats will be loading supplies headed to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac at the Harbour House Marina between 10am and 6pm Sunday as part of a Chamber of Commerce initiative. People are asked to send packages of essential, non-perishable items only, packed in garbage bags. These must be clearly labeled and addressed to specific persons. The labels should contain as much contact information as possible, especially cell phone numbers.
Seamans Centre Roof Photo: Tammie C. Chisholm |
Larger items such as plywood or generators cannot be sent at the moment.
A medical team of ten people were scheduled to fly over to the Brac on the Island Express flight at noon Sunday. The team is composed of the Medical director Dr Greg Hoeksema, HSA acting CEO Lizzette Yearwood, another doctor, psychologist, two nurses, two emergency medical technicians and two facilities people.
“We are bringing over a load of medical supplies including tetnous shos. We have no idea how long we will be there but we will be there as long as they need us,” said Dr. Hoeksema.
Cayman Islands Red Cross workers were attempting to get volunteers and supplies on a flight over to the Brac this weekend, but no clear indication had been given as to when there would be room on CAL twin-prop planes.
On Cayman Brac, work is underway on draining the water that flooded a portion of the Gerrard Smith Airport runway, and will hopefully be completed and the flooding alleviated shortly. All efforts are being made to enable jet aircraft operations as soon as possible.
Sister Islands’ District Commissioner Ernie Scott said Saturday that it might be “a few days” before the runway was cleared.
Hours after closing down the George Town shelter – Red Cross staff plan how to get supplies to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Photo: Shurna Robbins |
Two RCIPS marine vessels are heading to Cayman Brac with relief security personnel on board. A curfew for Cayman Brac residents will be in place between the hours of 6pm-6am each day until further notice.
Other essential relief personnel and government officials will continue to fly Cayman Brac Sunday on the Cayman Airways Twin Otters to assist with initial relief and damage assessment.
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